Clauses: Independent vs Dependent Flashcard

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

Identify the key feature of a dependent clause.

Back

A dependent clause often begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, unless) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which).

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between the two.

Front

Give an example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause.

Back

"Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk." (Dependent: "Although it was raining"; Independent: "we decided to go for a walk.")

Front

What is the role of an independent clause in a sentence?

Back

The independent clause serves as the main part of the sentence, providing the primary action or idea.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have multiple independent clauses, often joined by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or).

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance (e.g., for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: "If you finish your homework, you can go outside."

Back

Dependent clause: "If you finish your homework." It cannot stand alone.

Front

What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?

Back

A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject-verb pair, while a clause does contain a subject and a verb.